Technical Bulletin No. 0179: Stream Protection through Effluent BOD load control at the Weyerhaeuser Kraft Mill in Plymouth, NC

A substantial reduction in waste organic load made by the paper industry has been achieved through improvements in the kraft pulping and recovery system. Such increased collection efficiency, with the subsequent reduction of losses to the sewer, represents the most economical method for reducing such loadings. In addition to normal losses, the possibility exists in operation of the process of additional losses occurring due to operational variations, breakdowns and accidental spills. These can cause difficulty under conditions where the normal load is nominal.  This paper described the control measures taken at one large kraft mill to equalize effluent strength and control organic discharges within the plant, by control in the sewer system as well as with external provisions for control. The procedures outlined should continue to be helpful to many mills in the conduct of their stream improvement programs.